MOVE 47 · TIMING & SILENCE · FREE
Choose the Moment
Raise important requests at a time when the other person has the attention, information and authority to respond well.
A good request at a bad moment is a bad request.
WHY IT WORKS
The same ask can succeed or fail depending on context: budget cycles, workload, recent events and mood. Choosing a moment when the decision-maker can focus — and has just seen your value — removes obstacles unrelated to the merits of your request.
WHEN TO USE IT
- You are planning a significant request such as a raise or new role.
- Previous attempts were brushed off because of timing.
WHEN NOT TO USE IT
- Waiting for the perfect moment has become avoidance.
- The issue is urgent, such as a safety or ethical concern.
SIGNALS IT FITS
- You plan to raise it 'at the end of the meeting' or in passing.
- The decision-maker is in the middle of a crisis.
PREPARATION
- Find out when decisions of this kind are made (budget cycles, planning).
- Request a dedicated time rather than raising it ad hoc.
STEP BY STEP
- Identify the decision calendar.
- Request a specific meeting with a clear topic.
- Hold it after, not before, a visible success if possible.
- Avoid days of known stress for the decision-maker.
OPENING LINE
“Could we find 30 minutes next week to discuss my role? I'd like to give it proper time.”
SCRIPT
Could we set aside 30 minutes before budgets close next month to discuss my compensation?
LIKELY RESPONSES & COUNTERS
- If they postpone repeatedly
- Ask them to name a date; then use Set a Response Window.
- If they ask what it's about
- Be honest and brief; surprise rarely helps.
SECOND MOVE
In the meeting, use Strengthen Your Position Before Asking to lead with evidence.
FOLLOW-UP
Send a calendar invite with the topic stated.
COMMON MISTAKES
- Ambushing the person in a corridor.
- Raising it immediately after bad news for the team.
WALK-AWAY CONDITIONS
- The decision-maker refuses to make time for the conversation over several months.
EXAMPLE (FICTIONAL)
An engineer had twice mentioned a raise at the end of standups. He instead booked a meeting the week after his feature launched and before budgets closed; the raise was approved.
ETHICAL BOUNDARY
Timing should enable a fair decision, not exploit someone's vulnerable moment or distraction.
RELATED MOVES
Content version 1 · Drafted by Power Move IQ Editorial · Not yet human-reviewed · Educational decision support, not legal, financial or employment advice.